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Making an Emergency Kit for Pets

By Yahaira Cespedes

When disaster strikes, being stocked and ready to face an emergency is the best way to keep your family safe. But what about your pets? Your pets can’t fend for themselves and are especially vulnerable if you’re forced to batten down the hatches because of bad weather. Here are ten items to include in a pet emergency kit so that your entire family can weather a natural disaster safely.

#10 Water

When bad weather strikes, obtaining fresh water becomes a top priority. When you go to the store to stock up on emergency supplies and reach for the bottled water, don’t forget to think of your pet. The more you can store for you and your family the better, but a week’s worth of water for each family member, including your pet, is a safe bet.

#9 Food

Because your pet is less likely to understand food and water rations, it is best to stock up on canned, wet food. Pet food in cans keeps better, and your pet will be less thirsty if they get moisture from their meal, thus enabling you to stretch out the precious water supply. Don’t forget to pack a can opener!

#8 Medications

Like people, some pets suffer from chronic conditions that require the constant administration of medicine to keep them healthy. Speak with your veterinarian ahead of time to secure an emergency supply of pet medicines you may not have access to if your community is hit with severe weather.

#7 Proof of Ownership

You’ll want to place photographs and/or any ownership papers of your pets in a sealed, airtight container as an essential component of your pet emergency kit. If your family has to evacuate to a shelter, you may have to board your pet. Keeping proof of ownership on hand will identify you as a pet owner.

#6 Proof of Recent Vaccinations

Some animal clinics and boarding facilities will offer shelter to pets, but require your animal have up-to-date vaccinations. If you need to take your pet to an emergency animal shelter, taking a copy of their vaccination record with you will help ensure they get a spot.

#5 An Emergency Help List

Because everyone in the affected community will be in survival mode, you will want to have a list of helpful neighbors and/or emergency boarding facilities handy. Knowing where you’ll need to go to ensure your pet is safely cared for ahead of time will ensure your pet is safe for the duration of the emergency.

#4 Leashes and Pet Carriers

In the event of severe weather, your pet may panic and try to break loose to find a place to hide. Many pets become fatally trapped or injured because of this. In addition, the aftermath of a natural disaster usually results in downed power lines, fallen debris and contaminated groundwater. Therefore, it is best to utilize leashes and/or carriers to restrain your pet from running out into unsafe conditions.

# 3 ID Tags

Whether faced with an emergency situation or not, if you do become separated from your pets the best way to be reunited with them is to have additional ID tags you can fit them with in a hurry. Consider installing a microchip or other form of identification to help locate your pet as well. Just don't forget to keep your contact information up to date!

#2 First Aid Kit

Together with the telephone number of the nearest emergency animal clinic, you can put together an emergency medical kit for your pets should they become injured. Include items such as gauze to bandage an injury, hydrogen peroxide to disinfect a wound, and an oral dosing syringe or turkey baster for administering the hydrogen peroxide.

#1 Creature Comforts

Your pet may be confined to a small space for an undetermined amount of time. Try to include a pet bed, clean blankets, towels, a favorite toy, extra cat litter — anything you think you'll need to keep your pet calm. Like you, your pets will be nervous and frightened. Soothing them any way you can, will make your pets more likely to stay relaxed until conditions improve.